TWW was glad to see strong bi-partisan support from Western Senators today in introducing an amendment to the FY2020 Appropriations budget for the Department of Interior. The amendment sponsored by Senators Cory Gardner (CO), Michael Bennet (CO), Martin Heinrich (NM) Steve Daines (MT), Jon Tester, Richard Burr (NC), Susan Collins (ME) and Jeanne Shaheen (NH), would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at it’s maximum authorization level of $900 million which has only happened twice in history.
The strong bi-partisan support of the amendment shows that the wide support in the Senate for full funding. Senate leadership should take up the issue this session and make full funding for LWCF a reality.
Comments from the Senators on the importance of the amendment are below:
“The Land and Water Conservation Fund is the crown jewel for conservation projects in Colorado, and now that we were successful in permanently reauthorizing the LWCF, the next step is to make the funding automatic,” said Senator Gardner. “While those conversations are ongoing, it is important to show that we are committed to fully funding the program, and that’s what this amendment does. Our beautiful public lands rely on this critical conservation program, and it’s time for Congress to fully and permanently fund it.”
“I have been a proud advocate for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, America’s most successful conservation program, for more than a decade,” said Senator Burr. “It’s our responsibility to preserve our nation’s natural landscapes for our children and grandchildren, and by fully funding this important program, at no cost to taxpayers, we can do just that. I appreciate Senator Gardner’s leadership in introducing this amendment and for my colleagues continued commitment to conserving our nation’s public lands.”
“After ten years, our work to permanently reauthorize LWCF paid off earlier this year with the passage of the lands package,” said Senator Bennet. “Now, we must fulfill our promise to the next generation of Americans by fully funding the program. This amendment will provide full funding for LWCF, ensuring the program reaches its full potential this year.”
“LWCF is a critical tool to preserve the Montana way of life and protect our public lands for future generations,” said Senator Daines. “I will continue fighting for full funding of LWCF through every avenue possible—including this bipartisan amendment.”